Instagram rolls back controversial terms of service changes

After a massive outcry from users—including some celebrities—Instagram is reverting to the old language about advertising in its terms of service, removing references to selling users' photos without their permission.

Taking feedback from users to heart, Instagram is reverting to its original (some might say vintage) terms of service with regards to advertising.

An update to the terms of service (ToS) caused uproar on the Web this week—even leading to a stellar XKCD comic—as Instagram looks to turn its thriving community into a solid business. However, unclear language led many to believe their photos would be used in ads without permission, compensation or even their knowledge.

Systrom announced that Instagram would revert to the original wording for the advertising section on the new ToS, which comes into effect Jan. 19.

The proposed section which caused the fuss read:

"To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you."

The original version of that section, which will remain in place for now, reads:

"Some of the Service is supported by advertising revenue and may display advertisements and promotions, and you hereby agree that Instagram may place such advertising and promotions on the Service or on, about, or in conjunction with your Content. The manner, mode and extent of such advertising and promotions are subject to change without specific notice to you.

A section on the proposed update which stated that users under the age of 18 agreed that their parents or guardians gave permission for their personal information to appear in ads is also gone.

One part of the new ToS that might give cause for concern remains, giving the possibility that ads might appear in your feed without you even knowing they're ads: "You acknowledge that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such."

The new terms also include an arbitration clause, which according to legal experts cited by Reuters protects Instagram from several types of liability. Meanwhile, Section 8 of the General Conditions suggests that Instagram may soon allow clickable links in comments.

In a blog post announcing the switch to the old advertising rules, Systrom apologized for the confusion, and revealed that Instagram will be much more forthcoming with its future advertising plans: "Going forward, rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed, we are going to take the time to complete our plans, and then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work."

The proposed new advertising terms caused many users to leave Instagram, with rivals such as Pheed and Eye Em seeing a huge uptick in new members this week. Some reported a 1,000 percent increase in the number of people signing up to their services.